The Ultimate Guide to Daily Goat Care

How to keep your goats healthy, happy, and thriving on your farm

Introduction

Raising goats requires daily care to ensure they stay healthy and productive. Whether you're raising goats for meat, milk, or as part of a sustainable farm, establishing a consistent care routine is essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my daily goat care process, covering feeding, spraying, health checks, and general husbandry tips.

Morning Routine: Feeding the Goats

What Do Goats Eat?

A well-balanced diet is crucial for healthy goats. Here’s what I feed my goats daily. Forage & Pasture: The primary source of nutrition, rich in fiber and minerals. Hay: A backup for when fresh forage is unavailable. Grain (if needed): For pregnant does, lactating goats, or those needing extra energy. Minerals & Supplements: Free-choice minerals to ensure proper nutrition.

How Much to Feed?

Goats typically consume 2-4% of their body weight in dry matter per day.- Overfeeding grain can lead to bloating and health issues—stick to a well-balanced diet.

Watering Goats

Always provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration.- In summer, goats drink more—check and refill water multiple times a day.

Goat Hygiene: Spraying & Pest Control

Why Spray Goats?

Spraying helps control pests like flies, mites, and ticks. I use natural, organic sprays to keep my goats comfortable without harmful chemicals.

Best Practices for Spraying Goats

Spray in the morning or evening (not during the heat of the day). Focus on areas where pests tend to gather (ears, legs, underbelly). Rotate sprays to prevent resistance from pests.

Health Checks: Preventing Problems Before They Start

A daily checkup ensures that small issues don’t become big problems. Here’s what I look for: Eyes & Nose: Clear, no discharge. Coat & Skin: No bald patches, signs of mites, or scabs. Hooves: No overgrowth or limping. Appetite & Behavior: A healthy goat is active and eats well.If I notice anything unusual, I take action immediately, whether it’s adjusting their diet, trimming hooves, or consulting a vet.

Evening Routine & Preparing for the Next Day

Ensure all goats are secure in their shelter. Refill water buckets. Do a final check to make sure all goats look healthy.

Final Thoughts

Caring for goats doesn’t have to be complicated, but consistency is key. By following a daily routine that includes proper feeding, hygiene, and health checks, you’ll keep your goats thriving. What’s your biggest challenge with goat care? Let me know in the comments! And if you want to see my daily routine in action, check out my YouTube video: [Insert YouTube Link]